Posts Tagged ‘Apalachicola’

Many communities throughout Florida are home to annual Seafood festivals that celebrate Florida seafood. These family-oriented events have a local flair that is unique to each community. All feature delicious local seafood, and many have live musical performances by local and regional acts, arts and crafts vendors, children’s rides, parades, 5K run/walks, cooking demonstrations, and competitions such as oyster shucking. Florida’s seafood festivals are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. You will find a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn located close by. Plan your fall getaway now.

Best of the Road was born from a collaboration between Rand McNally and USA TODAY. The aim is to find and share the most interesting stops along the country’s highways and byways. Reviewers share their favorite small towns, pit stops, restaurants, and other points of interest.

Florida makes the list again and again, with towns, cities, and many fun spots. The Best of the Road is just one more reason to plan a Florida Vacation. We hope you’ll stay in Florida Bed and Breakfasts when you do.

Escape to a Forgotten Coast Bed and Breakfast this winter. Enjoy one of the most preserved parts of the state, an area rich in wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Fill your days with paddling, hiking, fishing, swimming, and lounging on the beach.

The Apalachicola Paddling Trail System is one of the best in the country, encompassing saltwater trails, lakes, creeks, and rivers. Paddlers can float along spring-fed rivers, negotiate winding trails through a bayou, or explore the vast Forgotten Coast itself. You can paddle for a day or paddle for a month and never be bored.

Tate’s Hell State Forest has more than 200,00 acres open to hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The High Bluff Coastal Hiking Trail leads to relict dunes; the Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System extends more than 150 miles; there are several canoe launch sites in the park, and one can float for hours; anglers should arrive with a valid license.

You’ll think you’ve found paradise on the barrier island of St. George, which sits across Apalachicola Bay from the town of Apalachicola. Gentle waves lap against the pristine beaches. Spend the day jumping waves on the beach, or explore the island by bike. If you miss the stair climber at your gym at home, climb the 100 steps to the top of St. George Light. This reconstructed historic lighthouse offers dramatic views of the area from the lantern room.

You may want to do nothing other than relax at your Forgotten Coast Bed and Breakfast after a full day. If you still have some energy to spare, take in a show at the Dixie Theatre in Apalachicola. The 2012 Season runs January through March. Acts include:

Back in it’s heyday, Apalachicola was the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico. While this Northwest Florida town can feel a little sleepy sometimes today, evidence of grand past lingers in the wide boulevards and impressive historic buildings. The over 900 homes and buildings in the National Historic District helped Apalachicola become a Distinctive Destination, as noted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Architecture buffs will definitely want to stroll down some of these streets, camera in hand.

There is much to do in this corner of NW Florida, from admiring historic architecture to enjoying the great outdoors. The biggest problem for outdoor recreation enthusiasts will be deciding what to do first – paddle throughout the Apalachicola Paddling Trail System – one of the best in the county; play on the beach and dunes of St. George Island State Park, or explore the trails of Tate’s Hell State Forest (if for no other reason than to get to the bottom of its interesting name).

Guests of Apalachicola bed and breakfasts will enjoy tasting the food of the region – especially the seafood. If you like oysters, you’ll want to eat them here, though there is a good chance you’ve already eaten Apalachicola oysters; 90% of all Florida oysters are harvested here (or 10% of the nation’s oysters). Stop by Papa Joe’s Oyster Bar, or ask the innkeepers of you bed and breakfast Apalachicola for another good recommendation. One thing is certain – you’ll be tucking into a fresh and copious breakfast each morning of your stay.